Easy Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs Recipe

William and I went to a Super Bowl party where someone brought these cheddar stuffed BBQ bacon bombs golf ball-sized Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs, wrapped in bacon, glazed with BBQ sauce. They disappeared in minutes, and William managed to grab two before they were gone. “These are incredible,” he said, examining one closely. “It’s just meat, cheese, and bacon. We could totally make these.” That casual observation sent us on a mission to recreate what became our most-requested party contribution ever.

Why You’ll Love These Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs

This cheddar stuffed BBQ bacon bombs recipe solves that eternal party problem of wanting appetizers that look impressive, taste amazing, and can be made ahead without last-minute stress. Most wow-worthy appetizers require intricate assembly, precise timing, or constant attention during the party. These bacon-wrapped Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs bites are literally making meatballs with cheese centers, wrapping in bacon, baking, and glazing William can prep these completely the day before, refrigerate them, and bake right before guests arrive. If someone who used to bring store-bought chips can become known for “those amazing bacon bombs,” literally anyone can.

Here’s what makes this Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs concept absolutely genius-the bacon wrapping serves triple duty as flavor, fat for basting the meat, and structural support that holds everything together. As the bacon crisps, its fat renders into the meatball keeping it juicy, while the outside becomes crispy and caramelized. William’s uncle who “doesn’t like ground beef” because he finds it boring ate six of these and admitted that bacon-wrapped with melted cheese transforms basic meat into something crave-worthy. The gooey Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs center that oozes out when you bite into it creates that “wow” moment that makes people take photos before eating.

Ingredients You Need for Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs

For the Meat Mixture:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 lb ground pork sausage
• 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

For the Filling and Wrapping:

• 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese
• 2-3 lbs thin-cut bacon
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Optional Add-Ins:

• Jalapeño slices
• Pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar
• Cream cheese mixed with cheddar
• Montreal steak seasoning
• Cayenne pepper

For BBQ Bacon Bombs with Ritz Crackers:

• Adds buttery flavor and better binding
• 1½ cups crushed Ritz crackers

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs Step by Step

Make the Meat Mixture:

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork sausage, breadcrumbs (or crushed Ritz crackers), eggs, ½ cup BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix with your hands just until combined-don’t overmix or meatballs become dense. The mixture should be cohesive but not paste-like. Cut sharp cheddar into ½-inch cubes (you’ll need about 24-30 cubes depending on how many bombs you make). Set aside.

Form and Stuff the Meatballs:

Take about 3 tablespoons of meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cheese cube in the center. Wrap the meat around the cheese completely, sealing it inside with no gaps. Roll into a smooth ball. The cheese should be completely encased-William checks by feeling for any cheese poking through. Repeat until all meat mixture is used, making 24-30 bombs total. Place formed bombs on a baking sheet. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up-this makes bacon wrapping easier.

Wrap with Bacon:

Par-cook bacon in microwave for 2-3 minutes until it just starts rendering fat but isn’t crispy it should be flexible. Cut each strip in half. Wrap each meatball with 2-3 bacon half-strips, overlapping slightly to cover completely. Secure with toothpicks if needed, though properly wrapped bacon usually stays. Place wrapped bombs seam-side down on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet (allows fat to drip and bacon to crisp all around). The wire rack is crucial William tried baking directly on the sheet and the bottoms stayed soggy in bacon grease.

Bake and Glaze:

Bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes until bacon is crispy and internal temperature reaches 160°F. While baking, mix 1 cup BBQ sauce with 2 tablespoons brown sugar for glaze. After 30 minutes, brush bombs generously with BBQ glaze and return to oven for 5-10 minutes until glaze is sticky and caramelized. Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving-this allows cheese to set slightly so it doesn’t immediately run out when bitten.

Serve:

Serve hot on a platter. Each bomb should have crispy bacon exterior, juicy seasoned meat, and molten cheddar center that oozes when bitten. William always makes extra because people eat 3-4 each minimum. Provide toothpicks for easy eating and plenty of napkins-these are gloriously messy.

Smart Swaps for Your Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs

Meat Options:

• All ground beef → Beef/pork mix (leaner, less flavor)
• Ground turkey → Beef (lighter, need added fat)
• Italian sausage → Breakfast sausage (different seasoning)

Cheese Alternatives:

• Pepper jack → Cheddar (spicy kick)
• Mozzarella → Cheddar (melts beautifully, mild)
• Cream cheese + cheddar → Just cheddar (extra creamy)
• Gouda → Cheddar (smoky variation)

Binding Options:

• Crushed Ritz crackers → Breadcrumbs (buttery, Paula Deen style)
• Panko → Regular breadcrumbs (crispier)
• Oats → Breadcrumbs (gluten-free option)

BBQ Sauce Swaps:

• Spicy BBQ → Regular (heat version)
• Homemade BBQ → Store-bought (more control)
• Sweet Baby Ray’s → Any BBQ (classic choice)

Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs Variations

Classic BBQ Cheese Bombs:

• Beef and pork blend
• Sharp cheddar filling
• Sweet BBQ glaze
• William’s standard version

Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Cheddar Bites:

• Add diced jalapeños to meat
• Use pepper jack cheese
• Spicy BBQ sauce
• For heat lovers

Grilled Bacon Bombs:

• Cook on grill instead of oven
• Charred bacon edges
• Smoky outdoor flavor
• Summer BBQ perfect

Paula Deen Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs:

• Use Ritz crackers in meat mixture
• Extra butter in glaze
• Southern indulgence
• Richer, more decadent

Equipment For Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs

• Large mixing bowl
• Wire cooling rack
• Rimmed baking sheet
• Pastry brush (for glazing)
• Meat thermometer

Storing Your Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs

Refrigerator Storage (3-4 days):

• Store cooked bombs in airtight container
• Reheat in 350°F oven 10-15 minutes
• Or microwave 1-2 minutes per bomb
• Bacon won’t be as crispy when reheated

Freezer Storage (3 months):

• Freeze uncooked assembled bombs on tray
• Transfer to freezer bags once frozen
• Bake from frozen (add 10-15 minutes)
• Or thaw overnight and bake normally

Make-Ahead Strategy:

• Assemble bombs completely day before
• Store unbaked in fridge overnight
• Bake when ready (may need extra 5 minutes)
• Perfect for stress-free entertaining

Party Serving:

• Provide toothpicks and napkins
• Keep finished bombs warm in 200°F oven
• Or use slow cooker on warm setting
• Serve with extra BBQ sauce for dipping

What to Serve With Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs

From countless game day parties and cookouts, I’ve learned these molten cheese filling appetizers work beautifully as both substantial appetizers and almost a main course when served with sides. For game day parties, serve them alongside other finger foods wings, sliders, loaded nachos, vegetable platters. William sets up a spread with bacon bombs as the centerpiece, surrounded by easier sides that don’t compete for oven space. They pair perfectly with coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, or corn on the cob for full BBQ spread vibes. For beverages, serve with beer, sweet tea, or lemonade that complements the sweet and smoky glaze.

For Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs, these juicy beef and bacon combo bombs can be the main protein served with traditional sides grilled vegetables, mac and cheese, cornbread. William makes 40-50 bombs for large gatherings, and they’re substantial enough that 4-5 bombs with sides makes a full meal. At our house, these appear at every Super Bowl party, every summer cookout, every potluck where we need to bring something impressive. The fact that they can be made ahead, frozen, and baked from frozen means we’re never caught unprepared when someone says “bring your bacon bombs.” Having signature party food that’s reliably impressive has made us confident contributors who always know what to make.

FAQ

The Ultimate Party Food Victory!

Now you have everything you need to create these incredible cheddar stuffed BBQ bacon bombs from proper bacon par-cooking to Auntie Donna’s wire rack secret. This easy cheddar stuffed BBQ bacon bombs recipe proves that the most impressive party foods are often simple components executed with smart techniques. Sometimes the best party contributions involve mastering one crowd-pleasing recipe instead of attempting complicated variety.

Want more crowd-pleasing appetizers? Try our Best Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich Recipe that uses similar party-food approach. Craving more bacon recipes? Our Healthy Italian Sliders Recipe Poppers bring different format. Need another impressive bite? Our The Best Acorn Squash Recipe are equally foolproof!

We love seeing your cheddar stuffed BBQ bacon bombs creations! Tell us whether you baked, grilled, or smoked them, if you tried Auntie Donna’s par-cooking trick, and if you became “the bacon bomb person” at your gatherings. We get so excited seeing your beautiful glazed bombs!

Rate this Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs and tell us if you’ll ever stress about party contributions again we love hearing about social confidence victories!

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs

Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs

Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs are juicy meatballs stuffed with cheddar cheese, wrapped in bacon, and glazed with BBQ sauce crispy on the outside, molten and cheesy on the inside. Perfect for parties, game day, or make-ahead entertaining.

Ingredients  

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Meat Mixture

• 2 lbs ground beef – 80/20 recommended
• 1 lb ground pork sausage – breakfast or mild
• 1 cup breadcrumbs – or 1½ cups crushed Ritz
• 2 large eggs –
• ½ cup BBQ sauce – in mixture
• 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce –
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder –
• 1 tablespoon onion powder –
• 2 teaspoon smoked paprika –
• 1 teaspoon salt –
• 1 teaspoon black pepper –

Filling & Bacon Wrap

• 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese – cut into ½-inch cubes
• 2-3 lbs thin-cut bacon – par-cook 2-3 minutes
• 1 cup BBQ sauce – for glaze
• 2 tablespoon brown sugar – mix with glaze

Equipment

• 1 Large mixing bowl (For combining meat mixture)

• 1 Wire rack (Crucial for crisping bacon)

• 1 Rimmed baking sheet (Catches bacon drippings)

• 1 pastry brush (For glazing with BBQ sauce)

• 1 Meat thermometer (Ensure 160°F internal temp)

• 1 Microwave-safe plate (For par-cooking bacon)

Method 

1. Combine ground beef, sausage, breadcrumbs, eggs, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until just mixed.

2. Cut sharp cheddar into ½-inch cubes. Form meat around cheese cubes into balls, then chill 15 minutes.

3. Par-cook bacon in microwave 2-3 minutes until flexible.

4. Wrap each meatball with 2-3 bacon strips, place seam-side down on wire rack over baking sheet. Bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes until cooked.

5. Brush with BBQ glaze (BBQ sauce + brown sugar), return to oven 5-10 minutes until caramelized. Let rest 5 minutes and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 85gCalories: 260kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 1gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 63mgSodium: 540mgPotassium: 250mgSugar: 4gVitamin A: 90IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 1.4mg

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.